How does a community find the strength to rebuild after an unimaginable disaster?

In this special ‘Podcasthon’ episode, I’m joined by my guest Marilyn Ball who shares the resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, celebrating a city whose history, culture, and unbreakable spirit refuse to be washed away. Together, we reflect on personal stories of devastation and hope, showing how neighbors became lifelines and strangers became friends. Despite the massive obstacles, local businesses continue to thrive, communities unite around relief, and visitors are still discovering the magic that makes Asheville so unique.

Episode Highlights:

[00:06] Introduction to the hurricane’s aftermath

[02:06] Guest Marilyn Ball shares Asheville’s origins

[03:49] Early stories of the city’s resilience

[12:56] Community unity in the first days after the disaster

[17:47 Insight on rebuilding plans

[26:23] Impact on art and music scene

[30:00] Learning from Maui's Disaster

[32:55] Importance of tourism in recovery

[35:13] Final reflections and call to action

[40:08] My reflections on the interview with the PMC cast and community

Links &Resources 

My GoFundMe: Support for Our Asheville and Western North Carolina: https://www.gofundme.com/f/amymarcsupportavl

Podcasthon: https://podcasthon.org/ 

Marilyn Ball’s Podcast, Speaking of Travel: https://pod.link/1375022004          

Marilyn's Episode with Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority: https://bit.ly/sotavlairport

My Asheville AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/h/mmr-avl                                                                                                   

Asheville Fringe Festival  https://www.ashevillefringe.org/

Asheville Visitors Bureau  https://www.ashevillecvb.com/

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠

Brought to you by⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠⁠

It’s a big news day in the podcasting world! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the latest headlines, including:

[03:36] Who’s topping the podcast charts? – Apple & Spotify’s latest #1 shows

[10:42] Podcasting events & industry meetups – Upcoming networking and learning opportunities

[14:12] Gen Z’s podcast preferences – Do younger audiences really prefer video, or is audio still king?

[18:46] Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2025 – What to expect from the latest podcast industry report

[20:07] Zoom’s PodTrak P2 Recorder – A new USB mic recorder with built-in noise reduction

[20:42] Spotify removes Andrew Tate’s episodes – Why they took action and what this means for podcasters

[25:50] Edison’s new download metrics – A better way to track podcast analytics

[26:37] Google’s latest AI updates – How Gemini and NotebookLM can help podcasters

[42:56] Using NotebookLM for podcasting – How AI can summarize transcripts and even generate podcast episodes

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Zoom PodTrack P2: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1877794-REG/zoom_zp2_podtrack_p2_dual_usb.html 

Community member, Dan Woerhide’s new podcast: https://podcast.unbreakablemission.com/ 

Community member, Jeff Dwoskin’s CustomGPT Show Notes Writer: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-rtKKdmp5m-podcast-show-notes-and-social-coach

📌 Upcoming Podcasting Events:

Podcasting for Female Entrepreneurs – March 25 @ 11 AM CT - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-and-podcasting-networking-event-for-female-entrepreneurs-tickets-732305384117 

Decoding the YouTube Algorithm Webinar – March 20 @ 2 PM ET - https://podcasts.withyoutube.com/events/decoding-the-youtube-algorithm 

Podcast Evolutions (Chicago) – March 31 - https://evolutions.podcastmovement.com/

New England Podcasters Meetup – April 12 - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-podcasters-group-april-meetup-tickets-1290177057309 

Black Effect Podcast Festival – April 26 - https://blackeffect.com/podcastfestival/ 

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Curious about the best tools for creating a podcast? Today, we’re breaking down the tech stacks our community uses. We talk about everything from recording software and editing tools to hosting platforms. We share what works, what doesn’t, and how our setups have evolved over time. If you’re new to podcasting, don’t worry! This episode is an inside look at how podcasters choose their tools and why it’s best to start with what works for you, especially the ones that make the creative process enjoyable.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:18] Icebreaker Question: How Many Software Tools Do You Use?

[4:55] Discussion on Recording Software

[10:30] Newbie Podcasters and Software Overwhelm

[18:05] Advanced Editing Tools and Techniques

[26:52] Live Recording and Editing Tools

[34:14] More Recommendations

[48:59] AppSumo

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Timebolt: 

https://www.timebolt.io

Elgato Stream Deck: 

www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Pedal-footswitches/dp/B09PRMCTGB/https://podcast.adobe.com/enhance

Cast Magic: 

https://appsumo.com/products/castmagic/

My New Studio Set-up: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18kVtjjR6d/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

What was the moment you knew you were a podcaster? Was it your first episode? Your first listener? Or the moment someone asked for your advice? Today, we’re reflecting on the milestones that made us feel like real podcasters. Then, inspired by a question from a Facebook group, we shift to an in-depth conversation about podcast growth what’s realistic, and how to stay motivated when downloads feel slow. Plus, we analyze key success metrics beyond downloads and why they matter.

Episode Highlights: 

[4:50] Personal Aha Moments in Podcasting

[16:58] Community Recognition and Podcast Success

[18:26] Challenges and Realities of Podcast Downloads

[24:21] Managing Expectations and Defining Success

[32:55] Engagement and Beyond Downloads

[57:08] Sustained Podcast Growth

[58:34] Community and Networking

[58:54] Balancing Promotion and Content Creation

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Question About Podcast Statistics:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BuzzsproutCommunity/permalink/9912576405428751/

PodMatch's Monthly Independent Podcasting Report:

https://podmatch.com/report

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

If you had to follow ONE golden rule for podcasters, what would it be? Today, we share our ideas for the one rule we believe every podcaster should follow. We cover several opinions provided by, long-time podcasters. Plus, to wrap up the week, we share wins and celebrate each other’s progress.

Episode Highlights: 

[4:46] Debating the Golden Rule of Podcasting

[5:27]  Active Listening in Interviews

[17:18] Preparation and Authenticity

[31:15] Niching Down and Knowing Your Boundaries

[42:16] Celebrating Wins

[46:03] Avoiding Burnout and Finding Balance

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Are you showing up entirely as yourself on your podcast or are you holding back? Today, we tackle a question from listener Izzy, who’s ready to shed the ‘professional filter’ and embrace her unapologetic self behind the mic. But how do you break through hesitation and show up in a more genuine way without alienating your audience? Today we explore why podcasters hold back, how authenticity impacts audience connection, and  steps to gradually bring more of your true self into your show.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:15] Izzy's Background and Struggles

[6:43] Authenticity and Audience Perception

[30:38] Study on Authenticity in Podcasting

[37:13] Practical Tips for Authentic Podcasting

[38:50] Personal Experiences and Vulnerability

[45:29] Honesty, Boundaries, and Showing Up Authentically

[55:14] Consistency in Personality On and Off the Mic

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Hopeful Simplicity: 

https://hopefulsimplicity.com/podcast

The Power of Vulnerability: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

YouTube defines podcasting as “listenable content that’s video-optional,” but what does that really mean for creators? It’s news day, and today we’re bringing you many headlines, including  YouTube’s changing role concerning podcasting, new research from Edison revealing where most listeners tune in, and an AI tool that can separate overlapping voices in audio recordings. We also discuss whether podcasters should rethink how they share links, the rise of audiobooks as an alternative for busy listeners, and the latest updates on events happening across the industry.

Episode Highlights: 

[2:19] Discussion on Book Club and AI Tools

[8:13] Podcast Data and Top Charts

[15:34] Events and Awards

[21:06] Podcast Accessibility and Universal Links

[37:59] AI Breakthrough in Audio Editing

[47:20] Women in Podcasting Competition

[50:13] YouTube's Definition of Podcasting

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business & Beyond

https://amzn.to/4iiO5cw

PodNews: 

www.podnews.net 

Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett: 

www.stevenbartlett.com 

Evolutions 2025:

https://podnews.net/event/evolutions-2025

50 over 50 Podcaster Awards:

https://bit.ly/3FpbDht

Higher Ed Podcon:

https://podnews.net/event/higher-ed-podcon

Podcast Accessibility: 

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Plink: 

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Podfollow:

https://podnews.net/article/universal-links

Audioshake:

https://bit.ly/3DJ1cEM

Jar Audio Emerging Women in Podcasting Pilot Competition: 

https://bit.ly/3R49H0c

How YouTube Sees Podcasting: 

https://bit.ly/3DxG70a

How I Make $1.2 Million A Year From This Podcast: 

https://youtu.be/OpANpfEjNw8
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Have you been trying to monetize your podcast? You’ve put in the work, and you’ve gained a small, respectable following, but now you feel like it is time to start turning your efforts into compensation.  But how do you start connecting with brands that align with your podcast’s mission statement? After a couple of questions from the community, the Empowered Podcasting team digs in and shares strategies for pitching, pricing, and how you can turn brand sponsorships into lasting relationships when properly nurtured. We share our personal experiences with brands and give actionable tips to help you form lasting relationships with brands and improve your chances of monetizing your podcast. 

Episode Highlights: 

[2:23] Improv and Creativity

[10:52] Monetization Misconceptions

[11:24] Understanding Brand Deals and Monetization

[23:13] Strategies for Securing Brand Deals

[27:07]Monetizing with Aligned Brands

[31:04] Building Local Brand Relationships

[34:11]Crafting the Perfect Pitch Email

[51:19] Practical Tips for Pitching Brands

[52:12] Understanding Brand Metrics

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Podcorn:

www.podcorn.com 

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

One of the best things about the Empowered Podcasting Community is when our members get the chance to meet face-to-face. That’s exactly what happened this past weekend when several of our community members gathered in Detroit, Michigan. The meetup was filled with laughter, long hugs, and the realization that the people we connect with online are often just as genuine in real life. Not all of us were able to attend, so today we’re welcoming those who were part of the impromptu meetup to share their firsthand stories of what it was like for them to finally meet. Midway through the episode, we shift gears to find out about each other’s passion projects.  Have you ever dreamed of creating a podcast on a deeply personal topic? Such as your interest in superhero movies, baking, or a niche hobby but perhaps you held back for some reason? We explore what stops us from pursuing those ideas and how we can push through those barriers to make them a reality.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:42] Icebreaker Question: Have you ever met someone in person and thought they weren’t anything like the person they portray online?

[14:37] Meet-up Experience in Detroit

[26:27] Encounters with Celebrities

[29:15] Podcast Passion Projects and Dreams

[36:50] Co-Hosting Dreams

[44:46] Searching for a Topic

[59:49] Dripping In Black Creators Retreat Experience

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Impromptu Empowered Podcasting Meet-Up In Detroit: 

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting/posts/815708667429470/

Dripping In Black Creators Retreat: 

www.drippinginblack.com/p/dibkretreat

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Podcasting isn’t solely about hitting the record button. It’s full of unexpected life lessons as well.  After a day of frustrating tech setbacks, I was reminded of the importance of patience and reaching out for support. This reminder sparked today’s topic which led to an insightful discussion centered around the lessons we have learned from our podcasting journeys. To wrap up the  week, we reflect on our wins and celebrate each other’s progress.

Episode Highlights: 

[3:11] Mac Mini Setup and Initial Issues

[9:58] Resolving Tech Issues with Apple Support

[16:25] What Have You Learned About Yourself Through Your Podcast?

[26:50] Managing Social Media Expectations and Internet Trolls

[34:22] Celebrating Wins from the Week

[50:44] Reflections and Accomplishments After Vacation

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠NextGenPodcaster.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠